Definition

• The most common type of diabetes, Type 2, occurs when the body develops a resistance to the effects of insulin--the hormone that regulates the absorption of sugar in the cells.
  
  

Insulin

• Prescription insulin is used for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Insulin helps keep blood glucose levels near normal by replacing the naturally occurring hormone that the pancreas cannot produce.
  
  

Injectables

• In addition to insulin, two other injectable drugs treat diabetes by helping to maintain normal glucose levels. These include Pramlintide for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and Exenatide for Type 2 diabetes.
  
  

Oral

• Diabetes pills belong to six classes of drugs that work in different ways to lower blood glucose levels. These diabetes pills are Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, Biguanides, DPP-4 inhibitors, Meglitinides, Sulfonylureas and Thiazolidinediones.
  
  

Aspirin

• Aspirin keeps red blood cells from clumping together, a condition readily occurring in people with diabetes. If blood cells clump, they can block or narrow blood vessels; this can cause a stroke or heart attack.